Signed by the Astros as a 16-year-old in his native Venezuela in 2007, the 5'5" second baseman rose all the way from A-ball to the majors in 2011.
His diminutive stature, all-out hustle and soft-spoken humility have quickly made him a fan favorite, and the face of the franchise during
the lean years between 2011 and 2014.

What he lacks in height, he more than makes up for in ability.
His uniform covered with dirt, his grit, hustle, and tenacity puts Astros fans in mind of the legendary
Craig Biggio.

Altuve has represented the Astros at the All-Star Game in 2012, 2014, and 2015, the latter year as the starting 2B elected by the fans.
His .341 batting average in 2014 won him the AL batting crown for that year, the same season in which he topped Biggio's single-season
franchise record for hits with 225.

Altuve has emerged as the leader of the cadre of young Astros stars of the future that began to arrive in 2014.